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CostHelper > Home and Garden  > Home Maintenance & Moving > Termite Control

Termite Control Cost


How Much Does Termite Control Cost?

 
average costMedium: $1,300-$3,000high costHigh: $2,000-$4,000

Termite extermination may be accomplished by using chemicals, bait, fumigating with lethal gas, electricity, heat or microwaves. Prices vary according to access, type and size of structure.

Typical costs:

  • Chemical extermination is generally priced by the linear foot. A home that is 150-linear feet around, or 1,250-square feet, will cost about $1,350-$2,500. A 2,500-square foot home with 200 linear feet will be about $1,700-$3,200. (The highest price designates homes with a slab foundation.)
  • The bait extermination process for the same 1,250-square foot house will typically start at $1,500. A 2,500-square foot home will cost about $3,000.
  • Fumigation is generally based on the cubic feet of the house, plus any attachments, including decks. If the home needs to be tented, the cost for lethal gas fumigation is about $1,200-$2,500 for a 1,250-square foot house and $2,200-$3,800 for a 2,500-square foot house.
  • Heat extermination also requires tenting the home and costs about $1,250 for a 1,250-square foot home. For a 2,500 square-foot home the price is about $2,500.
  • Electro-gun and the microwave system for small areas of infestation cost about $1,150.
Related articles: Termite Inspections

What should be included:
  • Chemical extermination is usually performed by trenching or drilling holes around the home's perimeter, then adding the liquid chemical. The chemical trenching and bait systems are usually used for moderate termite activity.
  • Bait is also administered through holes drilled around the perimeter of the home. The process is generally more expensive than chemical treatment, but preferred when the property is close to lakes or streams.
  • Whole-house infestation is generally treated with the traditional lethal gas fumigation technique. During fumigation the home is "tented" and lethal gas is pumped in. Homeowners are asked to stay out for four to five days.
  • Tenting is also used in the heat method where hot air is blown in until the inside reaches 140-150 degrees Fahrenheit and structural timbers reach 120 degrees, according to The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors[1] .
  • Those who are concerned about lingering chemical effects often choose the newer heat process. Heat can also be compartmentalized, so if the termites are only in the living room, the heat can be targeted only in that area. A whole-house heating takes about eight hours. Homeowners can return to the home that night.
  • The Electro-gun draws 180,000 volts through a gallery, a termite trail that follows the grain of the wood. An alternative to chemicals, Electro-gun and microwave systems are available in some areas and are designed to work on small trouble spots, such as a rotted window sill, rather than an entire house. The microwave system heats up the wood from the inside out, killing the termites.
Additional costs:
  • Some companies may charge extra if thick cement around the home requires more drilling, according to a Terminix Florida sales representative. Following eradication, they offer yearly renewals similar to homeowners insurance at a rate of $400 for bait and $200 for chemical.
  • In Albuquerque, New Mexico, all home construction is on floating slabs--solid foundation pours, according an Orkin sales manager. In order to get rid of termites, they have to drill through the slab. For 150 linear feet, the price will range from $1,500-$2,500, with a one-year guarantee. The liquid chemical used is also affective on ants. However, slab foundations are less expensive when tent fumigation is necessary, because without an under-house area, less gas is needed.
Shopping for termite control:
  • The first step is identifying the problem. The federal Forest Products Laboratory explains how to detect and identify termites[2] .
  • Be wary of an exterminator who comes to the door uninvited and offering to do a free termite or pest inspection. If possible, get estimates from several companies. Find out how long the company has been in business, what type of training and experience the employees have, and what sort of guarantee is provided, if any. The National Pest Management Association lists tips for choosing a pest control company[3] .
  • TheNational Pest Management Association and the Termite Institute[4] offer online locators to find an exterminator.
  • Ask for (and check) references from satisfied customers. Before a contract is signed, the pest control company should provide a detailed written statement outlining the extent of the infestation and the specific measures that will be taken, including listing any pesticides that will be used. Be sure to understand what precautions need to be taken before, during and after the treatment.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

Page 2 of 2   -   << Previous   1   2   

Termite Tenting
Amount: $3,200.00
Posted by: Emily-s. in ANAHEIM, CA.Posted: January 17th, 2018 03:01PM
Type of Method: Fumigation/TentingSq Ft of Home: 2900
Our home is around 2900 sqft, but has a lot high ceiling feature, which leads to much more cubic ft than a standard 2-story house. Termites are found from attic around the fireplace tunnel, where used to have leak in past 2 years. The price includes 4 year guarantee. Have to stay 2-3 nights out in friends house.
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Chemical treatment and annual bond
Amount: $1,047.00
Posted by: Batdog in Charlotte, SC.Posted: December 19th, 2017 10:12AM
Type of Method: ChemicalSq Ft of Home: 1800
Firm: Palmetto Pest control
From what I've seen Palmetto's quote is very reasonable. Found small evidence of termites thanks to redoing floors, and the chemical treatment is a trench around the house and drill through the garage floor to treat. Annual at $175.
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Trench for subs
Amount: $1,250.00
Posted by: Madison Andrews in Kissimmee, FL.Posted: November 12th, 2017 08:11AM
Firm: A1 Home Pest Control
We called for a free inspection because we had a feeling we had them. The technician came out and did the (very thorough inspection with a tool I will never forget lol) and confirmed the termites and gave us a quote of $1250 with a lot of education about the treatment and termites. Our home required a lot of drilling and is pretty large. Our renewal on the house is $200 for 2500 sq ft.
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termite bond transfer fee and renewal fee one month later
Amount: $425.00
Posted by: AnnieK in Mount Pleasant, SC.Posted: August 14th, 2017 12:08PM
Type of Method: PreventionSq Ft of Home: 2588
Firm: Arrow Termite & Pest Control
Recently was charged $200 for the bond transfer, and one month later, I've received a $225 bill to renew the annual bond. A full inspection was completed at the time we purchased the house in June 2017. I believe that the transfer fee is exorbitant since it was just an administrative change of name on the property. Are the termite companies taking advantage of customers?
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Termite removal cost
Amount: $1,000.00
Posted by: Maintenance guy in Palmer, TX.Posted: August 10th, 2017 01:08PM
Type of Method: bait, exteriorSq Ft of Home: 1750
Firm: Orkin
bait deposite buried around the house with 1 yr guarantee and $150 yearly fee for inspection and treatment if necessary at no extra cost. Seems like a pretty good deal, but still gonna get a second estimate before signing on the dotted line.
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Termite Preventative Plan
Amount: $1,295.00
Posted by: a user in Stafford, VA.Posted: May 5th, 2017 12:05PM
Type of Method: Inserted podsSq Ft of Home: 4400
Firm: Orkin
Initial plan is 1,295.00 plus 295 a year for "inspection" and they're just a rental.
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Termite protection
Amount: $2,100.00
Posted by: HarryO in Asheville, NC.Posted: January 4th, 2016 12:01PM
Type of Method: Bait StationsSq Ft of Home: 3300
Firm: Terminix
Had Bait Stations Installed And Got Contract
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Termite Control
Amount: $1,400.00
Posted by: Sarang_6802 in Crestview, FL.Posted: August 14th, 2015 10:08AM
Firm: Orkin
Found termites in the back shed and have decided to do a control of the house and exterior buildings (trench with drilling of concrete areas and Termador, also installing panels behind each shower to be treated in plumbing areas). 1400 for initial costs for an almost 2600 sq ft home and about 250 a yearly costs (which we paid 5 yrs in advance). This was bought in 2015, but I did not have an option below for this year.
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existing wood damage
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Kimber in Land O Lakes, FL.Posted: May 17th, 2015 01:05PM
I have more of a question as to if wood can be saved once the home has been treated or if all prior infested wood needs to be removed the home was built in 1925 and we are trying to save it.
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Price increase Rouselle Inc. and reduction in coverage
Amount: $225.00
Posted by: Steve CdeBaca in Norwalk, CA.Posted: May 15th, 2015 08:05AM
Type of Method: Annual inpection treatment policy with RSq Ft of Home: 1600
Firm: Rouselle Inc.
My question is should I continue this annual service ? I have had this service since 1995 and the price hs risen from originally $150.00 to $225.00. The major concern is this year the company has removed the clause that says they will fumigate at their cost and it is the property owners responsibilty to cover the cost. Previous annual contracts covered this fumigation. So with the elimination of fumigation is needed and the annual price increase. Rouselle Inc will only do local treatments and inspections starting with this new contract. Is it in my best interest to renew the agreement ?
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Termite Prevention
Amount: $578.00
Posted by: L.Mack in Winter Park, FL.Posted: April 30th, 2015 12:04PM
Type of Method: Sentricon Bate SystemSq Ft of Home: 1350
Firm: Massey Services
Live in Condo 2 Family duplex. Very small neighborhood. I had free inspection and Bait system to be installed around outside. All work guaranteed and any damage replaced. Annual is $225. The first year included in initial price. I trust Massey because I have them for my whole house, pest and lawn care.
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Chemical barrier, drill through slab, etc.
Amount: $1,250.00
Posted by: Ryan Velasquez in Longview, TX.Posted: April 25th, 2015 08:04PM
Type of Method: ChemicalSq Ft of Home: 2400
Firm: Local
Saw some termites in one bedroom and down in the flower garden. Called local company and they quoted $1250 for treatment and about $200 yearly in order to get the guarantee. House had been treated with a five year treatment six years ago...
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Does it really work?
Amount: $9,550.00
Posted by: First time in termite country in Thousand Oaks, CA.Posted: April 15th, 2015 08:04AM
We're buy a house that was built in 1969. One owner has paid monthly for "protection" from termites. We ordered a termite inspection and it has come back with $9550 in repairs by the same company that has been paid for years of "protection". Is this common? What good is a monthly program when you get infestation anyway?
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Trying to understand termite quote received.
Amount: $1,400.00
Posted by: Bahn Jovee in Orange, CA.Posted: January 10th, 2015 10:01AM
Type of Method: Spot treatmentSq Ft of Home: 2200
Received bid to spot treat some termite issues. Received quote of $1,400, this does not include any corrective or wood replacement. Couple of fascia boards. Which I was told would have to be done by separate company. For planning I asked how long the termite service would take and was told about 4 hours. wondering how much the chemicals are because that's over $300 per hour which seems extremely high.
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Annual termite renewal
Amount: $313.93
Posted by: monicafaye in San Antonio, TX.Posted: September 20th, 2014 12:09PM
Type of Method: Liquid Defend SystemSq Ft of Home: 2800
Firm: Terminix
A local company treated our 1948 era house for termites many years ago and we had an annual contract with them that transferred to Terminix when they bought the local company. We have had two small recurrences of termites that was treated by Terminix, so I guess I will keep paying the EXPENSIVE annual renewal, but it does go up every year.
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Annual cost Houston TX
Amount: $169.00
Posted by: Richard Markel in Houston, TX.Posted: September 12th, 2014 05:09AM
Type of Method: Visual InspectionSq Ft of Home: 3100
Firm: Lone Star
Our home is 3100 sf. We had termites 15 years ago they were treated and are now on annual inspection plan with same company for over 15 years. The inspection is limited to a visual walk around only.
I believe that this cost is typical for our area
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Annual Termite Program - Terminex
Amount: $213.00
Posted by: Steven R. L. in Silver Spring, MD.Posted: August 9th, 2014 08:08AM
Type of Method: Liquid barrierSq Ft of Home: 2700
Firm: Terminex
The price has jumped up every year since Terminex took over from Western Pest control. This seems very high and I am considering a change.
Looking for a more economical approach.
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Preventative treatment
Amount: $1,900.00
Posted by: Chris04 in Daphne, AL.Posted: May 1st, 2014 08:05AM
Firm: Terminix
It's warm and humid down here in the South. Great climate for termites. I wanted my house (4,000sqft) to be protected. Unfortunately I let things slip and didn't keep the annual inspection/treatment up. So Terminix had to do it all over again.
Price seems ok for 300 linear feet ($1,900). They put bait outside in the ground and sprayd around all columns in our crawl space. Annual upkeep is $350 and insurance/bonding is included. I'm a happy customer again.
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Termite info
Amount: $37.00
Posted by: Lance in Pensacola, FL.Posted: January 22nd, 2013 07:01AM
Firm: Anchor pest control inc
Termite info depends on geography. Different bugs in different locations .. Info here is generic
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Homeowner w/ Drywood Termites
Amount: $100.00
Posted by: http://termiteshq.com in Sierra Vista, AZ.Posted: July 8th, 2012 04:07PM
Type of Method: Spot FoamSq Ft of Home: 1500
Firm: TermitesHQ
So far I've spent just over $100 on a spot treatment by a technician. This treatment was limited to survey holes in the drywall to spray around a window sill. Since then, I've actually removed more drywall and discovered the infestation is more significant than a single 2x4 as described by the "termite" PMP. My regular exterminators (not the above-referenced PMP) confirmed they are drywood termites based on the frass. Unfortunately, they are not in a position to service the infestation. At least they are honest. I'm looking at a more significant termite treatment. Because of my research, I've actually just started a new resource for homeowners at http://termiteshq.com/termite-treatment-cost/ I'm trying my best to make sure anything relevant to termites is included. I could have made a more significant attempt against the drywood termites had I educated myself initially.rnrnRegards.
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Termite Tenting
Amount: $1,595.00
Posted by: TinaPham in Huntington Beach, CA.Posted: February 24th, 2012 09:02PM
Type of Method: tentingSq Ft of Home: 1870
Firm: Orkin
Orange County - California. Dry-wood termite. 2 story house, about 21 years old house, 1,870 sf. $1,595 total (no hidden taxes, fees, etc.). Had to spend two nights at mom's house.
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External Resources:
  1.  www.nachi.org/termites.htm
  2.  www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/techline/detecting-identifying-termites.pdf
  3.  www.pestworld.org/find-a-pest-control-professional/tips-on-finding-a-pro/
  4.  pub.psbpr.com/basf/Termidor/Termite-Site/Site/content/find-a-professinal.asp?place...
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